Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style
- Officially dubbed a ‘research vehicle’
- Fuel cell and plug-in hybrid versions under test
- Plug-in hybrid can drive for over 18 miles on electricity alone
Mercedes pointed to its future in Geneva with the new F 800 Style concept. Officially referred to as a research vehicle, the F 800 outlines future styling and powertrain developments from Mercedes-Benz.
Plug-in hybrid and electric fuel cell options are being developed, with the plug-in version able to drive for 18 miles on electricity alone.
What’s all the fuss about?
Mercedes likes to wheel out a big concept at Geneva and 2010 sees the F 800 Style make its debut.
The F 800 Style arrived on the stage accompanied by an extremely weird acrobatic show, with performers writhing in plastic tubes hanging above the show stand.
Introduced by Dr Weber, the F 800 Style can achieve over 75mph driving on its electric motor alone.
Any new technology?
As a technology showcase the F 800 Style is brimming with Mercedes’ latest thinking.
The fuel cell version can run for over 370 miles using just 5.2kg of hydrogen. Introducing the car Dr Weber highlighted that it’s the world’s first rear-wheel drive fuel cell vehicle.
The F 800 Style debuts a new touchpad system inside for controlling the infotainment system. The touchpad videos the user’s hand and ghosts it over the controls on the centre console.
Rear sliding doors, a range exhibiting satnav, 360-degree Pre-Safe predictive safety system and a traffic-jam driving technology all feature on the concept.
Estimated release date: The F 800 Style’s plug-in hybrid technology will feature on the next S-Class.
Estimated cost: The cost of the F 800 Style is incalculable, but it will pay as its technology filters into the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
Tags: geneva motor show, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz F 800